Rand Water Maintenance May Cause Water Disruptions in Joburg and Ekurhuleni

According to the bulk water supplier, the project is part of a broader effort to strengthen the bulk water supply system and improve long-term water security. The maintenance includes electrical infrastructure work at Rand Water’s Zuikerbosch Purification Plant and the completion of cross-connections from old to new pipelines.

Impact on Johannesburg Water Systems

Johannesburg Executive Mayor Dada Morero confirmed that the maintenance will affect major bulk systems, leading to reduced inflows into several Johannesburg Water reservoirs and towers. While the maintenance window is scheduled for 12 hours, officials have warned that customers may experience low water pressure or a total loss of supply.

The pumping capacity across Rand Water systems will be significantly reduced during the work period:

• Palmiet System: Operating at 78% capacity, affecting areas such as Sandton, Midrand, South Hills, and Alexander Park. More than 150 areas are expected to be impacted.
• Eikenhof System: Reduced to 50% capacity, serving Soweto, Randburg, Roodepoort, and the Commando system area. More than 190 areas are affected.
• Zwartkopjes System: Operating at 50% capacity, impacting Berea, Hector Norris, Aeroton, Forest Hill, Eagles Nest, Crown Gardens, Yeoville, and Kibler Park.
• Mapleton System: Pumping will be suspended for 12 hours.

Johannesburg Water spokesperson Nombuso Shabalala noted that the utility has incorporated lessons from previous maintenance operations to improve system balancing and coordination. “While some areas may still experience interruptions and recovery times will vary, particularly in high-lying areas, we are better prepared to manage the system and support a quicker recovery,” Shabalala stated.

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Water Disruptions in Ekurhuleni

The City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has announced that the maintenance will specifically affect parts of Springs from July 17 to July 19. Affected areas include Welgedacht, Bakerton, Slovo Park, Payneville, Gugulethu/Everest, Strubenvale, Casseldale, Selcourt Estate, Struisbult and its extensions, Sharon Park, and Vlakfontein Village.

The CoE advised that full restoration of supply will depend on the recovery of both Rand Water’s infrastructure and the city’s own systems, with high-lying areas and those supplied through pumping stations likely to see the longest recovery times.

Contingency Planning and Recommendations

Officials have advised residents and businesses to plan accordingly for the duration of the maintenance. Johannesburg Water and the CoE have issued the following recommendations:

• Storage: Residents should store sufficient water for essential household needs, including drinking, cooking, and sanitation.
• Usage: Use water sparingly. Avoid high-consumption activities such as filling swimming pools or washing vehicles.
• Commercial Impact: Businesses and institutions are advised to ensure on-site storage equivalent to their daily demand, or at least 36 hours of supply, to minimize operational disruptions.

To mitigate the impact, Johannesburg Water has indicated that reservoir storage is being maximized prior to the start of the work. Water tankers will be deployed to critical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, where necessary. In Ekurhuleni, the city plans to provide alternative water via stationary tanks and roaming water tankers. Residents are encouraged to monitor official municipal communication platforms for real-time updates regarding tanker locations and progress on the restoration of services.

Rand Water stated that it had issued a 21-day notice to affected municipalities, industries, and direct customers to provide sufficient time for contingency planning. This current phase follows an initial round of maintenance conducted between May 29 and June 2, aimed at enhancing the reliability of the bulk water supply system.

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